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Nowadays, more effective control of hand hygiene (HH) by healthcare teams has become essential. HH control is crucial to prevent cross-contamination and healthcare-associated infections (HAI), according to Brazilian regulatory standards and WHO guidelines. The lack of widespread technology to measure acceptable hygiene rates within hospital environments leads to the practice of a manual sample audit reading, requiring more time for decision making. Thus, the present study addresses the lack of automation technologies for HH, aiming to record, measure, and provide data for internal audits in hospitals. This article introduces an embedded system for HH control and recording, comprising low-cost hardware architecture with IoT connectivity and online monitoring. Results with practical evaluation in a real hospital setting for 3 hours demonstrated the system's effectiveness in recording HH indices.
This article develops a control method for linear time-invariant systems subject to time-varying and a priori unknown cost functions, that satisfies state and input constraints, and is robust to exogenous disturbances. To this end, we combine the online convex optimization framework with a reference governor and a constraint tightening approach. The proposed framework guarantees recursive feasibility and robust constraint satisfaction. Its closed-loop performance is studied in terms of its dynamic regret, which is bounded linearly by the variation of the cost functions and the magnitude of the disturbances. The proposed method is illustrated by a numerical case study of a tracking control problem.
We propose an epidemic model for the spread of vector-borne diseases. The model, which is built extending the classical susceptible-infected-susceptible model, accounts for two populations -- humans and vectors -- and for cross-contagion between the two species, whereby humans become infected upon interaction with carrier vectors, and vectors become carriers after interaction with infected humans. We formulate the model as a system of ordinary differential equations and leverage monotone systems theory to rigorously characterize the epidemic dynamics. Specifically, we characterize the global asymptotic behavior of the disease, determining conditions for quick eradication of the disease (i.e., for which all trajectories converge to a disease-free equilibrium), or convergence to a (unique) endemic equilibrium. Then, we incorporate two control actions: namely, vector control and incentives to adopt protection measures. Using the derived mathematical tools, we assess the impact of these two control actions and determine the optimal control policy.
We propose a modeling framework for stochastic systems, termed Gaussian behaviors, that describes finite-length trajectories of a system as a Gaussian process. The proposed model naturally quantifies the uncertainty in the trajectories, yet it is simple enough to allow for tractable formulations. We relate the proposed model to existing descriptions of dynamical systems including deterministic and stochastic behaviors, and linear time-invariant (LTI) state-space models with Gaussian noise. Gaussian behaviors can be estimated directly from observed data as the empirical sample covariance. The distribution of future outputs conditioned on inputs and past outputs provides a predictive model that can be incorporated in predictive control frameworks. We show that subspace predictive control is a certainty-equivalence control formulation with the estimated Gaussian behavior. Furthermore, the regularized data-enabled predictive control (DeePC) method is shown to be a distributionally optimistic formulation that optimistically accounts for uncertainty in the Gaussian behavior. To mitigate the excessive optimism of DeePC, we propose a novel distributionally robust control formulation, and p
In this paper, we propose a novel controller design approach for unknown nonlinear systems using the Koopman operator. In particular, we use the recently proposed stability- and feedback-oriented extended dynamic mode decomposition (SafEDMD) architecture to generate a data-driven bilinear surrogate model with certified error bounds. Then, by accounting for the obtained error bounds in a controller design based on the bilinear system, one can guarantee closed-loop stability for the true nonlinear system. While existing approaches over-approximate the bilinearity of the surrogate model, thus introducing conservatism and providing only local guarantees, we explicitly account for the bilinearity by using sum-of-squares (SOS) optimization in the controller design. More precisely, we parametrize a rational controller stabilizing the error-affected bilinear surrogate model and, consequently, the underlying nonlinear system. The resulting SOS optimization problem provides explicit data-driven controller design conditions for unknown nonlinear systems based on semidefinite programming. Our approach significantly reduces conservatism by establishing a larger region of attraction and improved
Safety is one of the most important properties of control systems. Sensor faults and attacks and actuator failures may cause errors in the sensor measurements and system dynamics, which leads to erroneous control inputs and hence safety violations. In this paper, we improve the robustness against sensor faults and actuator failures by proposing a class of Fault-Tolerant Control Barrier Functions (FT-CBFs) for nonlinear systems. Our approach maintains a set of state estimators according to fault patterns and incorporates CBF-based linear constraints for each state estimator. We then propose a framework for joint safety and stability by integrating FT-CBFs with Control Lyapunov Functions. With a similar philosophy of utilizing redundancy, we proposed High order CBF-based approach to ensure safety when actuator failures occur. We propose a sum-of-squares (SOS) based approach to verify the feasibility of FT-CBFs for both sensor faults and actuator failures. We evaluate our approach via two case studies, namely, a wheeled mobile robot (WMR) system in the presence of a sensor attack and a Boeing 747 lateral control system under actuator failures.
Quantum computing comes with the potential to push computational boundaries in various domains including, e.g., cryptography, simulation, optimization, and machine learning. Exploiting the principles of quantum mechanics, new algorithms can be developed with capabilities that are unprecedented by classical computers. However, the experimental realization of quantum devices is an active field of research with enormous open challenges, including robustness against noise and scalability. While systems and control theory plays a crucial role in tackling these challenges, the principles of quantum physics lead to a (perceived) high entry barrier for entering the field of quantum computing. This tutorial paper aims at lowering the barrier by introducing basic concepts required to understand and solve research problems in quantum systems. First, we introduce fundamentals of quantum algorithms, ranging from basic ingredients such as qubits and quantum logic gates to prominent examples and more advanced concepts, e.g., variational quantum algorithms. Next, we formalize some engineering questions for building quantum devices in the real world, which requires the careful manipulation of micro
Cloud computing and distributed computing are becoming ubiquitous in many modern control systems such as smart grids, building automation, robot swarms or intelligent transportation systems. Compared to "isolated" control systems, the advantages of cloud-based and distributed control systems are, in particular, resource pooling and outsourcing, rapid scalability, and high performance. However, these capabilities do not come without risks. In fact, the involved communication and processing of sensitive data via public networks and on third-party platforms promote, among other cyberthreats, eavesdropping and manipulation of data. Encrypted control addresses this security gap and provides confidentiality of the processed data in the entire control loop. This paper presents a tutorial-style introduction to this young but emerging field in the framework of secure control for networked dynamical systems.
In this paper, we study the relationship between systems controlled via Control Barrier Function (CBF) approaches and a class of discontinuous dynamical systems, called Projected Dynamical Systems (PDSs). In particular, under appropriate assumptions, we show that the vector field of CBF-controlled systems is a Krasovskii-like perturbation of the set-valued map of a differential inclusion, that abstracts PDSs. This result provides a novel perspective to analyze and design CBF-based controllers. Specifically, we show how, in certain cases, it can be employed for designing CBF-based controllers that, while imposing safety, preserve asymptotic stability and do not introduce undesired equilibria or limit cycles. Finally, we briefly discuss about how it enables continuous implementations of certain projection-based controllers, that are gaining increasing popularity.
The problem of controlling hybrid dynamical systems using model predictive control (MPC) is formulated and sufficient conditions for asymptotic stability of a set are provided. Hybrid dynamical systems are modeled in terms of hybrid equations, involving a differential equation and a difference equation with inputs and constraints. The proposed hybrid MPC algorithm uses a suitable prediction and control horizon construction inspired by hybrid time domains. Structural properties of the hybrid optimization problem, its feasible set, and its value function are provided. Checkable conditions to guarantee asymptotic stability of a set are provided. These conditions are given in terms of properties on the stage cost, terminal cost, and the existence of static state-feedback laws, related through a control Lyapunov function condition. Examples illustrate the results throughout the paper.
We deal with controlling the spread of an epidemic disease on a network by isolating one or multiple locations by banning people from leaving them. To this aim, we build on the susceptible-infected-susceptible and the susceptible-infected-removed discrete-time network models, encapsulating a control action that captures mobility bans via removing links from the network. Then, we formulate the problem of optimally devising a control policy based on mobility bans that trades-off the burden on the healthcare system and the social and economic costs associated with interventions. The binary nature of mobility bans hampers the possibility to solve the control problem with standard optimization methods, yielding a NP-hard problem. Here, this is tackled by deriving a Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO) formulation of the control problem, and leveraging the growing potentialities of quantum computing to efficiently solve it.
In this paper, we present a state-feedback controller design method for bilinear systems. To this end, we write the bilinear system as a linear fractional representation by interpreting the state in the bilinearity as a structured uncertainty. Based on that, we derive convex conditions in terms of linear matrix inequalities for the controller design, which are efficiently solvable by semidefinite programming. Further, we prove asymptotic stability and quadratic performance of the resulting closed-loop system locally in a predefined region. The proposed design uses gain-scheduling techniques and results in a state feedback with rational dependence on the state, which can substantially reduce conservatism and improve performance in comparison to a simpler, linear state feedback. Moreover, the design method is easily adaptable to various scenarios due to its modular formulation in the robust control framework. Finally, we apply the developed approaches to numerical examples and illustrate the benefits of the approach.
Vehicle platooning has been shown to be quite fruitful in the transportation industry to enhance fuel economy, road throughput, and driving comfort. Model Predictive Control (MPC) is widely used in literature for platoon control to achieve certain objectives, such as safely reducing the distance among consecutive vehicles while following the leader vehicle. In this paper, we propose a Distributed Nonlinear MPC (DNMPC), based upon an existing approach, to control a heterogeneous dynamic platoon with unidirectional topologies, handling possible cut-in/cut-out maneuvers. The introduced method addresses a collision-free driving experience while tracking the desired speed profile and maintaining a safe desired gap among the vehicles. The time of convergence in the dynamic platooning is derived based on the time of cut-in and/or cut-out maneuvers. In addition, we analyze the improvement level of driving comfort, fuel economy, and absolute and relative convergence of the method by using distributed metric learning and distributed optimization with Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers (ADMM). Simulation results on a dynamic platoon with cut-in and cut-out maneuvers and with differen
We investigate adaptive strategies to robustly and optimally control the COVID-19 pandemic via social distancing measures based on the example of Germany. Our goal is to minimize the number of fatalities over the course of two years without inducing excessive social costs. We consider a tailored model of the German COVID-19 outbreak with different parameter sets to design and validate our approach. Our analysis reveals that an open-loop optimal control policy can significantly decrease the number of fatalities when compared to simpler policies under the assumption of exact model knowledge. In a more realistic scenario with uncertain data and model mismatch, a feedback strategy that updates the policy weekly using model predictive control (MPC) leads to a reliable performance, even when applied to a validation model with deviant parameters. On top of that, we propose a robust MPC-based feedback policy using interval arithmetic that adapts the social distancing measures cautiously and safely, thus leading to a minimum number of fatalities even if measurements are inaccurate and the infection rates cannot be precisely specified by social distancing. Our theoretical findings support va
IR (Infra-Red) detectors are widely used in Space-borne remote sensing satellites. In order to achieve a high signal to noise ratio, the IR detectors need to be operated at cryogenic temperatures. Traditionally, the cryogenic cooling of these detectors is achieved using passive cooling techniques. However recent trend is to employ Stirling-cycle based miniaturized active cryocoolers. An accurate and stringent control of active cryocooler cold-tip temperature is essential to accomplish high signal & image quality from the IR detectors. This paper presents work on investigations and comparison of performance of proposed 2-DOF (2-Degrees-of-Freedom) versus traditional 1-DOF feedback-control structures for the control of cryocooler cold-tip temperature used in IR (Infra-Red) detectors of Space Satellites. Towards this, first-principle based control oriented mathematical model simulated in Matlab/Simulink is proposed to support such investigation and controller tuning. Open-loop (system) and closed-loop (controls) simulation results are tuned & validated with the experimental data obtained from the Lab-scale test-setup of a commercial Stirlingcryocooler. The performance of 2-DOF
This article provides an overview of model predictive control (MPC) frameworks for dynamic operation of nonlinear constrained systems. Dynamic operation is often an integral part of the control objective, ranging from tracking of reference signals to the general economic operation of a plant under online changing time-varying operating conditions. We focus on the particular challenges that arise when dealing with such more general control goals and present methods that have emerged in the literature to address these issues. The goal of this article is to present an overview of the state-of-the-art techniques, providing a diverse toolkit to apply and further develop MPC formulations that can handle the challenges intrinsic to dynamic operation. We also critically assess the applicability of the different research directions, discussing limitations and opportunities for further research.
Projected Dynamical Systems (PDSs) form a class of discontinuous constrained dynamical systems, and have been used widely to solve optimization problems and variational inequalities. Recently, they have also gained significant attention for control purposes, such as high-performance integrators, saturated control and feedback optimization. In this work, we establish that locally Lipschitz continuous dynamics, involving Control Barrier Functions (CBFs), namely CBF-based dynamics, approximate PDSs. Specifically, we prove that trajectories of CBF-based dynamics uniformly converge to trajectories of PDSs, as a CBF-parameter approaches infinity. Towards this, we also prove that CBF-based dynamics are perturbations of PDSs, with quantitative bounds on the perturbation. Our results pave the way to implement discontinuous PDS-based controllers in a continuous fashion, employing CBFs. We demonstrate this on numerical examples on feedback optimization and synchronverter control. Moreover, our results can be employed to numerically simulate PDSs, overcoming disadvantages of existing discretization schemes, such as computing projections to possibly non-convex sets. Finally, this bridge between
The recent major developments in information technologies have opened interesting possibilities for the effective management of multi-agent systems. In many cases, the important role of central control nodes can now be undertaken by several controllers in a distributed topology that suits better the structure of the system. This opens as well the possibility to promote cooperation between control agents in competitive environments, establishing links between controllers in order to adapt the exchange of critical information to the degree of subsystems' interactions. In this paper a bottom-up approach to coalitional control is presented, where the structure of each agent's model predictive controller is adapted to the time-variant coupling conditions, promoting the formation of coalitions - clusters of control agents where communication is essential to ensure the cooperation - whenever it can bring benefit to the overall system performance.
Mixed-integer model predictive control (MI-MPC) can be a powerful tool for modeling hybrid control systems. In case of a linear-quadratic objective in combination with linear or piecewise-linear system dynamics and inequality constraints, MI-MPC needs to solve a mixed-integer quadratic program (MIQP) at each sampling time step. This paper presents a collection of block-sparse presolve techniques to efficiently remove decision variables, and to remove or tighten inequality constraints, tailored to mixed-integer optimal control problems (MIOCP). In addition, we describe a novel heuristic approach based on an iterative presolve algorithm to compute a feasible but possibly suboptimal MIQP solution. We present benchmarking results for a C code implementation of the proposed BB-ASIPM solver, including a branch-and-bound (B&B) method with the proposed tailored presolve techniques and an active-set based interior point method (ASIPM), compared against multiple state-of-the-art MIQP solvers on a case study of motion planning with obstacle avoidance constraints. Finally, we demonstrate the computational performance of the BB-ASIPM solver on the dSPACE Scalexio real-time embedded hardware
We present a stochastic model predictive control framework for nonlinear systems subject to unbounded process noise with closed-loop guarantees. First, we provide a conceptual shrinking-horizon framework that utilizes general probabilistic reachable sets and minimizes the expected cost. Then, we provide a tractable receding-horizon formulation that uses a nominal state to minimize a deterministic quadratic cost and satisfy tightened constraints. Our theoretical analysis demonstrates recursive feasibility, satisfaction of chance constraints, and bounds on the expected cost for the resulting closed-loop system. We provide a constructive design for probabilistic reachable sets of nonlinear continuously differentiable systems using stochastic contraction metrics and an assumed bound on the covariance matrices. Numerical simulations highlight the computational efficiency and theoretical guarantees of the proposed method. Overall, this paper provides a framework for computationally tractable stochastic predictive control with closed-loop guarantees for nonlinear systems with unbounded noise.